There are still a few days left to celebrate National Park Week, which runs from April 18-26.
Although it's too late to take advantage of a weekend of free admission to the country's national parks (that was last weekend)—there are still ways to celebrate America's Best Idea from the soft glow of your computer screen. Maybe that's all it will take to inspire a trip to a national park near or far.
The Los Angeles Times has put together a slideshow of great images from the 20 most-visited national parks, including some incredible photos from some of my personal favorites: Zion Canyon National Park in Utah (#8), Yellowstone National Park (#4), and Grand Canyon National Park (#2). Unfortunately, the photo for Glacier National Park (#10) is actually an image from Peyto Lake in Banff National Park in Canada. Thanks to Twitter user @joelpavila for pointing out that error.
Yahoo Travel also shares a series of the best selfies at national parks taken by both the Yahoo Travel Explorers and the Yahoo Travel staff. To accompany her selfie taken at the iconic tunnel view vantage point of Yosemite Valley, writer Lana Lee Neil offers the words Ansel Adams used to describe that park, but which could apply to many of the places in the national park system: "Yosemite Valley, to me, is always a sunrise, a glitter of green and golden wonder in a vast edifice of stone and space."
FULL STORY: The 20 most-visited national parks in the U.S.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Overcrowding at Yosemite National Park
Long lines of cars have been trying to enter the park, with many stuck in traffic for hours and vehicles parked illegally in traffic lanes, on grass, and between rocks.
New National Monument Proposed South of Joshua Tree
The 700,000 acre monument would protect threatened species and important historic and cultural sites.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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